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44. The Hill-start 

44. The Hill-start (Moving-off procedure)

If procedures as outlined in Chapter 2 (driving off) are followed, taking off on a hill is a natural follow on. The use of the handbrake, right from day one, even on level ground, is the key. Many motorists regard themselves as clever, taking off uphill without the handbrake. However, over a long period, undue wear and tear on the clutch and gearbox, plus wasted fuel, are inevitable.

Handbrakes function much the same way as on a bicycle - a cable squeezes the brake pads to stop the wheel from turning. Never apply the handbrake, while the vehicle is moving, unless during an emergency. 

Why use the handbrake on a hill-start? 

The handbrake has to stop the vehicle from rolling, while the right foot operates the accelerator and the left foot the clutch.

A hill-start is basically the same procedure as moving off on level ground, except you need to apply more power, and withdraw the clutch further than on level ground.

 7 steps - Stopping and starting uphill

1. Mirror/Signal:

 Stop the vehicle at a suitable place, legally.
2. Apply handbrake: Release footbrake. Vehicle should not roll back. 
3. Shift gear-lever into neutral: By shifting the gear-lever into neutral for a moment, we check if the handbrake has been applied sufficiently to stop it rolling backwards. If you are leaving your vehicle, do NOT park it in neutral! Have it in first gear (or reverse facing downhill). 
4. Check road, when clear, signal and engage first gear. As you do, release the ratchet on the handbrake. (Pull up the handbrake lever, press and hold the button.) The handbrake is now ready to be released, but is still keeping the vehicle from moving.

Certain vehicles have handbrakes that must be twisted then released! Others have a foot operated park-brake. Know the vehicle you are driving!
5. Apply sufficient power: On a slope you require more power than on level ground, depending on the gradient of the road.
6. Withdraw the clutch to friction point: When you hear the sound of the engine change and/or feel the pull of the engine, keep clutch at that point for a second or so*, check mirror and blindspot again. Keep applying power!
7. Release the handbrake (**carefully): ...and apply more power as you fully withdraw the clutch and the vehicle gathers speed. 

*The quicker steps 6 and 7 can be done, the less wear and tear on the vehicle.

**To release the handbrake carefully means - just release it enough to find out, if the car is indeed moving forward as intended. Should the vehicle roll backwards as you release the handbrake, apply handbrake again and withdraw the clutch a little further. Repeat step 7. (Pushing the clutch back down takes you back to step 6). 

Even an automatic vehicle can roll back, if the slope is steep enough. Use the handbrake in the same manner as in a manual vehicle, i.e. apply a little power just prior to releasing the handbrake.

In an automatic vehicle apply the handbrake first, before engaging P (Park). Without the handbrake applied the gearbox takes the 'weight' of the vehicle. Especially on a hill, this may place undue strain on the gearbox.

Parking on a very steep incline, angle the front wheels as to stop it from rolling away should there be a mechanical problem. (See picture above). 

 

NEVER shift vehicle into PARK (automatic vehicle) while still moving!  Gearbox damage may occur!

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - Learner Driver Hub 2020.